Overview
- Luis Robert Jr., who missed his third straight game Wednesday, underwent an MRI to evaluate persistent lower-back tightness, manager Carlos Mendoza said.
- Mendoza said the imaging will determine whether the Mets place the center fielder on the injured list or keep him day-to-day.
- After a strong opening stretch, the 28-year-old has cooled to a .224 average with two home runs and a .656 OPS, including a 5-for-38 slide since April 13.
- The Mets’ depth is strained, with Francisco Lindor in a protective boot until mid-May, Jorge Polanco on the 10-day injured list, and Kodai Senga out indefinitely with lumbar spine inflammation.
- An IL stint for Robert could bring roster clarity by reducing daily outfield shuffling, where Tyrone Taylor has taken over in center and Juan Soto has stayed at designated hitter.